Phoenix, AZ – Governor Katie Hobbs has officially declared November as Arizona Family Caregiver Month, highlighting the dedication of Arizonans who provide care for loved ones with dementia, chronic illnesses, disabilities, or those who are elderly. Nearly 12% of Arizonans are involved in caregiving, contributing over 800 million hours annually – a value estimated at $14.5 billion in unpaid work.
“Family caregivers are unsung heroes, providing critical and compassionate care for loved ones that goes above and beyond what’s provided through the healthcare system,” Governor Hobbs stated. “These selfless individuals deserve recognition for their dedication and hard work. I am so proud to proclaim November as Arizona Family Caregiver Month, honoring the essential role they play in creating a healthy Arizona for everyone.”
Arizona’s 2023-2026 State Plan on Aging and the 2024-2029 Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia State Plan offer frameworks for multi-agency support to benefit both caregivers and the state’s aging population.
“Family caregivers are the backbone of our Long-Term Care System,” said Dana Kennedy, Arizona AARP State Director. “In Arizona, 850,000 family caregivers provide billions in unpaid care. AARP Arizona commends Governor Hobbs and her staff for prioritizing family caregiving. This proclamation reflects their hard work and provides a roadmap to continue support into the future.”
For more details, view the full proclamation here.
